In his first three games since coming off the disabled list, Jedd Gyorko went 6-for-11 with a double, a home run and five RBIs. Small sample size aside, it has been an auspicious return for the Padres second baseman, who until Wednesday hadn’t homered since May 9.

Monday in Atlanta, before his first game back, Gyorko said he felt he had regained his swing from last season, when he hit 23 home runs as a rookie.

When he landed on the DL with plantar fasciitis in early June, Gyorko was hitting .162 with five home runs, ranking, by most measures, as the least productive second baseman in the majors.

Which is why Wednesday’s performance -- Gyorko went 3-for-5, finishing a triple shy of the cycle -- was an encouraging sign.

“The bat through the zone is on time. That allows him to square up balls and hit them hard.”

As he did Wednesday, Gyorko batted sixth in Thursday’s lineup.

Side for Cashner

Andrew Cashner will throw a lengthier side session Saturday as the Padres sketch out a course of return for the right-hander. As of yet, Cashner will not throw in something as extensive as a simulated game, as was previously expected.

After the weekend, he will likely throw another side session on the road in Minnesota before beginning a rehab assignment.

Cashner went on the DL on June 23 with shoulder soreness.

Notable

Left-hander Jason Lane has cleared waivers and will report to Triple-A El Paso. "We’re happy to keep him in the organization. He’s pitched well every time we’ve called him up," Assistant GM A.J. Hinch said.

Right-hander Ian Kennedy (oblique) is cleared to make his scheduled start Saturday against the Braves.

With off-days Monday and Thursday, Black said the rotation could be adjusted next week.